About the Program

The University of North Dakota's College of Engineering and Mines offers the only Petroleum Engineering degree program in the state.

The degree offered is a Bachelors of Science (BS) in Petroleum Engineering. Students may pursue the degree by completing coursework at UND main campus and through the UND Distance Education Degree Program (DEDP). DEDP uses online technologies to provided the student with a similar experience to on campus degree seekers.

The BS in Petroleum Engineering (BS-PtrE) is complete with 131 credit hours of course work. The current model curriculum is found on the undergraduate programs page.

For more information about the new Bachelors of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering offered in the College of Engineering and Mines, please contact the Department.

Vision Statement

Educate future generations of Petroleum Engineers who can contribute to building a better world through research and professional service for safe, reliable, and affordable energy production and environmental protection.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Petroleum Engineering program at the University of North Dakota is to educate petroleum engineers to meet the growing demands in North Dakota and elsewhere.

Degree Program Educational Objectives

The undergraduate Program Educational Objectives (PEO) are the expected accomplishments of graduates during their first few years following graduation. The PEOs of the Department of Petroleum Engineering (PTRE) as adopted by the PTRE faculty, and Industry Advisor Board are as follows:

Contribute as engineering professionals in industry, including government or academia;

Pursue continued education and professional development through participation in professional organization, training and possible post graduate education;

Progression or attainment of professional registration and licensure.

For more information about the new Bachelors of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering offered in the College of Engineering and Mines, please contact the Department.

Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes reflect a foundation of knowledge and skills that, if satisfied, provide graduates of the PtrE program with the tools needed to achieve successfully the PEOs. Program Outcomes have been discussed by the program faculty on numerous occasions. These outcomes serve as a template for designing and improving the curriculum, providing an undergraduate program that meets all ABET criteria for petroleum engineer, and maintaining an educational focus that emphasizes competence and future professional success for our graduates. Program Outcomes a–k for the Petroleum Engineering undergraduate program corresponds directly to ABET Engineering Criteria 3 (a–k) and the ABET Program Criteria (Criteria 9). Success in meeting Program Outcomes is in large part determined by success in achieving the Performance Criteria.

a) Upon graduation, students will demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering to solve engineering problems

b) Students will possess and demonstrate the ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as collect and interpret experimental data

c) Students will possess and demonstrate the ability to design an engineering system, system component or process meeting specific needs

d) Students will demonstrate the ability to collaborate, communicate and work effectively with others on multi-disciplinary teams

e) Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve a range of engineering problems

f) Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of professional and ethical responsibility in the practice of engineering

g) Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms

h) Broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in global and societal contexts

i) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of life-long learning and continuing education

j) Students must demonstrate knowledge of important contemporary issues in the world as they relate to engineering

k) Students shall demonstrate the ability to use techniques, skills and modern engineering tools required for the practice of engineering and related engineering disciplines